Valuing the Invaluable

Family Caregivers in Arkansas Provide $5.8 Million in Unpaid Care to Loved Ones 

"Latest AARP research attaches $14.77 per hour value to the estimated 390 million hours of unpaid care that family caregivers provided in 2021." — From AARP Public Policy Institute's study "Valuing the Invaluable"

The unpaid care provided by the 420,000 caregivers in Arkansas is valued at $5.8 million, according to new state data available in AARP’s latest report in the Valuing the Invaluable series. This is a $1.1 million increase in unpaid contributions since the last report was released in 2019. The report highlights the growing scope and complexity of family caregiving and actions needed to address the many challenges of caring for parents, spouses, and other loved ones.

“Family caregivers play a vital role in Arkansas’ health care system, whether they care for someone at home, coordinate home health care, or help care for someone who lives in a nursing home,” said Ashley McBride, AARP Arkansas state director. “We aim to advocate for the financial, emotional and social support of family caregivers. The care they provide is invaluable to those receiving it and their community.”

AARP Arkansas is committed to fighting for caregiver assistance, including working with lawmakers on legislation that supports tax credits for caretakers.

Read the full report for national and state-by-state data on the economic value of unpaid care by family and friends.

Resources and information on family caregiving are available at aarp.org/caregiving.